By Tami Charbonnet
Whether you are an avid runner who pounds the pavement training for competitive events, a couple-miler-a-week jogger, or even a walker, the right running shoes can make all the difference in both comfort and injury prevention.
According to researchers at Runner’s World, “Selecting running shoes is akin to purchasing a house or a car; you’re going to spend a lot of time in them, so you want something you really like. In addition to a comfortable ride, shoes can play a major role in keeping your running strong.”
How do you find the best shoes? First, consider the shape of your foot and arch. There are three main shapes: flat, neutral, and high arches.
“Flat feet tend to have fallen arches, making them flexible and prone to overpronation, an inward rolling motion,” the researchers say. “Neutral feet are the most biomechanically sound variety, putting them somewhere in the middle. High-arched feet are essentially the polar opposite of flat feet. When the arches are particularly defined, the feet end up being rigid, leading to supination, or landing on the outside edges of the feet.”
It is important to keep your body safe from injury during exercise. If you have an injury, or if you feel aches or pain from running, jogging, or walking, you should consult a physician. Many athletes, running enthusiasts, and walkers have custom arch supports or inserts created for their running shoes to aid in injury prevention.
